For ten years, Momentum Group has been shining a light on the power of kindness through its annual Lesedi Awards – a celebration that recognises employees who go beyond their daily roles to make a lasting difference in their communities.
Held under the theme “We Invest in Kindness”, this year’s milestone event reflected Momentum’s belief that compassion, like capital, grows when put to work.
“At Momentum Group, we understand that the most worthwhile investments aren’t only financial,” says Tshego Bokaba, CSI Manager at Momentum Group. “Kindness brings real returns — for the giver, the receiver, and the community. When our people give their time and skills, they help build the social fabric that supports us all.”
The Meaning Behind Lesedi Awards: A Light That Keeps Shining
Since its inception in 2015, the Lesedi Awards named after the Sesotho word for light have recognised employees whose generosity continues to transform lives.
From youth mentorship and food security to GBV awareness and educational support, each volunteer story is a reminder that small acts of kindness create ripples of impact that reach far beyond the workplace.
MMerge Team led by Lynnette Schoeman, Executive PA, MMerge (part of Momentum Life); Tshego Bokaba, CSI Manager, Momentum Group
Kindness as a Corporate Culture
Momentum’s Staff Volunteerism Programme (SVP)one of the key pillars of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy encourages employees to contribute their time and talents to causes close to their hearts.
The company supports these efforts through volunteer leave, matched funding, and peer recognition, ensuring that doing good is not just encouraged but embedded in Momentum’s culture.
“We don’t dictate how our people should give back,” explains Patronella Sono, Staff Volunteerism Specialist at Momentum Group. “They choose causes that matter to them from mentoring youth to helping feed families which makes their impact deeply personal and sustainable.”
In the past year alone, Momentum employees contributed 8,692 volunteer hours, with the group now aiming for 50% workforce participation by 2027.
The Spirit of Volunteering Lives On
In a standout moment at this year’s ceremony, the MMerge Team, led by Lynnette Schoeman, took home both the Team Award and the coveted Spirit of Volunteering Award.
Their annual winter drive, Operation Anti-Freeze, began as a small act of kindness but has since grown into a powerful community lifeline, providing blankets, food, and clothing to families in need. Their story captures the heart of what the Lesedi Awards are all about: consistent, community-driven impact.
Celebrating the Champions of 2025
This year’s awards placed strong emphasis on sustainability, measurable outcomes, and alignment with Momentum’s core values; accountability, diversity, integrity, teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
Here are the 2025 Lesedi Award winners:
Lesedi Exceptional Volunteer Champion: Mildred Majadibodu (Momentum Retirement Administrators)
Newcomer Award: Tonia Nel (Metropolitan Life)
Lesedi Individual Award: Josephine Zimri (Momentum Health Solutions)
Lesedi Team Award: MMerge Team (led by Lynnette Schoeman)
Lesedi International Award: Mathamae Sejanamane (Metropolitan Lesotho)
Most Engaged Volunteer: Argentina Makgakga (Momentum Multiply)
Most Consistent Payroll Giver: Anonymous
Spirit of Volunteering Award: MMerge Team
Ten Years of Light and Leadership
Over the past decade, the Lesedi Awards have illuminated the stories of hundreds of Momentum employees who have volunteered thousands of hours in service to others, from education and youth mentorship to disaster relief and social upliftment.
Each winning volunteer’s chosen charity also receives financial support from Momentum, ensuring that the good work continues long after the applause fades.
“Kindness compounds,” reflects Bokaba. “Every act, every hour volunteered, every life touched creates a return that’s both human and profound. Our call to everyone at Momentum and beyond is simple: invest in kindness and watch it grow.”
